Don’t Limit God

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)- “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” 

How often do we look at our circumstances and feel overwhelmed—boxed in by limitations, whether financial, physical, emotional, or even spiritual? It’s in those moments that we tend to shrink our prayers, lower our expectations, and forget the limitless nature of our God. We begin to approach God with human-sized faith, thinking He will only move in ways that are logical or predictable.

But Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of something extraordinary: God is able to do immeasurably more—beyond anything we ask, imagine, or expect. He is not limited by our understanding, constrained by our resources, or confined to past experiences.

This truth became powerfully real to me this week. I had been expecting a contribution for our mission work from a very dear friend. Based on previous conversations and past experiences, I had a specific figure in mind—reasonable and consistent with past giving. But when the support arrived, I was stunned. The amount was double what I anticipated and what was really needed for our support.

In that moment, I was overwhelmed—not just by the generosity, but by the clear reminder of God's faithfulness and His abundant provision. It was as though God was saying, “Don’t limit Me.” My expectations, however well-intentioned, had been based on patterns, not promises. And yet, God chose to exceed them—not arbitrarily, but to build my faith and underscore His Word.

We often allow our assumptions—even spiritual ones—to shape the size of our faith. But God’s power is not determined by what we can calculate. He works beyond our projections, beyond our logic, beyond what history might suggest. As Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

We see similar examples in the scriptures

• Moses felt inadequate and tried to disqualify himself because of his speech, but God used him to deliver Israel (Exodus 4:10–12).

• The Israelites saw miracle after miracle, but unbelief still kept them from entering the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:19).

• Gideon was hiding in fear when God called him a "mighty warrior," and then used him and 300 men to defeat a massive army (Judges 6–7).

• Mary, a teenage girl from Nazareth, believed God's word over cultural impossibility and became the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:38)

• Peter walked on water when he fixed his eyes on Jesus, but began to sink when he looked at the storm (Matthew 14:29–30).

All of them faced limitations. The difference came when they chose to believe and obey God's Word rather than their own perspective.

What Is Required from Us

• Faith – A belief that God is not just able but willing to act on our behalf (Hebrews 11:6)

• Knowing God’s Will – Immersing ourselves in Scripture and prayer to align with His heart

• Boldness to Act – Trusting that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)

• Patience and Perseverance – Waiting well and staying faithful through delay or hardship. (Galatians 6:9)

• Humility and Surrender – Yielding to God’s purposes and seeking His glory above all. (Luke 22:42)

Let’s stop measuring God’s faithfulness by our circumstances. Let’s stop projecting our limitations onto His nature. Instead, let us walk with open hands, big prayers, and hearts that believe He is still the God of “immeasurably more.”

Reflection Questions:

• Where have you been unintentionally limiting God in your life or ministry?

• What is one step of bold faith you sense God prompting you to take?

• How can you remind yourself daily that the power of God is actively at work within you?

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for the ways I’ve limited You with my thinking, my expectations, and even my theology. Help me to trust You fully—to believe that You are able and willing to do more than I can ask or imagine. Fill me with faith, clarity in Your will, and boldness to act. I yield to Your power at work in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen